Ashes: Mickey Arthur takes Australia dismissal on the chin

Mickey Arthur can understand the reasons behind his dismissal as Australia coach a matter of weeks before the Ashes.

Last Updated: 24/06/13 9:17pm

Mickey Arthur: Former Australia coach takes sacking 'on chin'

Arthur was surprisingly axed on Monday morning, with Darren Lehmann appointed as his successor later in the day, and he took full responsibility for failing to fullly turn around their fortunes on the field.

Australia slumped to a 4-0 Test whitewash in India and they have also suffered a number of disciplinary problems within the squad, most recently when David Warner was banned for two weeks for lashing out at England batsman Joe Root.

Arthur told a press conference: "The reality is when you take a job on as head coach, you are totally responsible for the outcomes.

"The players are a young group, learning their ways. I am a man of principal who tries to get the team going in one direction as I firmly believe that a team with culture is a successful team.

"I do not feel let down by the players at all, at the end of the day you live and die by the sword. I gave this job 100 percent of my time over the last couple of years and the disappointing thing is that I thought we were nearly there to cracking it.

"Certainly in India we were outplayed, albeit with a young team in tough conditions.

"I think we were 20 minutes from something special in the Champions Trophy and there were obviously a couple of disciplinary issues - I've got to take it on the chin.

"Nobody likes losing their job, all I can say is I've given it 100 per cent commitment. I've chucked everything at it and if it wasn't good enough, so be it."